Wildlife management is, in our view, as much about education, and managing people's attitudes, as it is about the science of populations of animals. The successful koala management program for Victoria, outlined by Peter Menkhorst, has only been possible because of his firm grasp, and that of his colleagues, of the divergent attitudes towards koalas. Among the many benefits provided to humans by the wildlife resource, we have tackled just one value in this book - recreational. Wildlife can also cause problems for people. Among the negative values of wildlife, we selected but one topic, namely roadkill. The plenary sessions to this forum were filled with interesting details and some provocative challenges, such as that by Des Cooper, “…this discussion is really being conducted with a particular set of assumptions, which are assumptions made by rich, well-to-do people who live in cities…” We need much more of such cut-and-thrust to avoid the narrow viewpoint that is possible from the comfort of mid-city life. On the other hand, do we really think that those in immediate contact with a wildlife problem are always the best informed to manage our wildlife? Arthur White delicately touched a subject that shows just how fast matters are changing. He entitled his paper, “Can I touch that frog?” He asked, “With limited exposure to the natural world will future generations still be prepared to defend global ecosystems?” From the gentle approach of whale-watching and the attention to seals and dolphins, and the careful research that underpinned all the recommendations, to the as yet nearly-impenetrable problem of roadkill, the issue that is central is that of communication. We are not isolated in Australia from world problems, but the converse also applies - our solutions and our communication endeavours can make an international contribution. Harry Recher posed the question in his foreword: “How do you make people care and therefore willing to share with others, and other species?” The authors in this book have made a positive contribution to seeking answers to that question.

The brushtail possum is common in Sydney's bushland suburbs, where it is often valued and made welcome. However, some suburban residents do not either value or welcome brushtail possums on their properties. This study probed the attitudes of both groups of people towards the animals and the environment more generally. It was found that amongst brushtail possum lovers, the animals were seen as simultaneously cute and familiar, and as emblematic of endangered Australian wildlife and natural environments in general. People who did not like or value brushtail possums expressed attitudes in accordance with a dominionistic value system. Unlicensed trapping of brushtail possums was reported and the existence of a pool of privately owned traps was confirmed. Brushtail possums were reported to have been transported to nearby parks or bushland areas. Usually no provisions for food and water were made while the animal was in the trap. It was known by unlicensed trappers that relocated animals are not thought to fare well but this did not deter them. Linkages were demonstrated between peoples' underlying values and their attitude and behaviour towards brushtail possums. It is suggested that if change is to be effected then education also needs to target underlying values and attitudes towards animals and the environment rather than just filling fact voids. Several instances of severe ill-treatment of brushtail possums were disclosed during the study which may indicate further attention to legislative provisions and management options is required.

The common brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula poses a test for managers of urban wildlife because community attitudes towards the species vary widely from those who are prepared to live with it to those who wish it to be controlled as a pest. The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service has the responsibility for protecting possums throughout the state. This raises three issues for review: 1. what is the conservation status of brushtail possums in both urban and non-urban areas of New South Wales?; 2. what is the extent, location and nature of the problem in Sydney?; and 3. how appropriate is current NPWS policy and management practice? The solution to the conundrum will require improvements to management strategies, further research and sustained education programs.

Attacks by Australian Magpies Gymnorhina tibicen on humans are among the most common forms of human-wildlife conflict in Australia, especially in suburban environments. Despite the familiarity of these interactions, remarkably little is known about the phenomenon, significantly undermining attempts to develop a sound basis for management. To redress this, a series of studies spanning most of a decade were carried out in Brisbane, designed to explore all dimensions of the conflict. This paper describes several relevant aspects of the phenomenon including temporal patterns of reproduction and attacks, and summarises key findings of investigations into community attitudes towards managing what is a favourite Australian species. In particular, it was established that lethal control was opposed by a clear majority of survey respondents while translocation as an option for management was supported. As a result, comprehensive studies into this approach were carried out, establishing that the technique reduced specific conflicts. However, we were unable to account for the fate of most released birds.